Black Panther’s Angela Bassett receives Honorary Academy Award. Angela Bassett, known for her roles as Tina Turner and Queen Ramonda in Black Panther, received her first Academy Award on Tuesday. The honorary Oscar was presented at the 14th annual Governors Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Mainly to recognize her lifetime achievements in film and humanitarian efforts. At 65, Bassett was previously nominated for Oscars. She has made history as the first actor in a Marvel film and the first woman from a superhero movie to receive the award. With a famous quote “Remember who you are and who our ancestors intended you to be.” Angela Bassett makes history.
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER LUMINARY ANGELA BASSETT AND THE PRODUCER ICON MEL BROOKS TO BE HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMY AWARDS. A REMARKABLE RECOGNITION FROM THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES
Mel Brooks, at 97, and Carol Littleton, renowned film editor of ET and Body Heat, also obtained honorary Oscars during the ceremony. Originally slated for November, the event was delayed due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes. These awards recognize “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, and outstanding service to the Academy.”
Michelle Satter of the Sundance Institute received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
What is the Purpose of the Governors Awards?
The Governors Awards provide the Academy with an opportunity to rectify past oversights and pay tribute to the careers of beloved Hollywood icons while bringing together industry heavyweights. Hosted by comedian John Mulaney, Tuesday’s ceremony saw a star-studded attendance. It included Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper, America Ferrera, Cillian Murphy, Lenny Kravitz, Natalie Portman, and Julianne Moore, among others.
Black Panther’s Angela Bassett receives Honorary Academy Award
Regina King, Angela Bassett’s co-star from the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, took the stage to introduce the actor. She hailed her as an unparalleled “NATIONAL TREASURE.” King expressed that Bassett possesses a perspective, voice, and beauty that proudly reflects her Black heritage, but goes beyond surface appearances. King stated, “She is artistic excellence embodied in human form.”
Angela Bassett then stepped onto the stage to a warm and extended applause, expressing gratitude to her family, including her husband, actor Courtney B Vance.
“I have considered acting my calling and not just my career. I do this work because I find it meaningful. And I hope in some way that it makes a difference and has an impact,” she said. Angela Bassett acknowledged the recognition for what she’s doing is truly wonderful. “And I am beyond grateful.”
In her speech, Angela Bassett, the second Black female actor to receive an honorary Oscar (following Cicely Tyson), acknowledged previous winners who paved the way before her. Notably, she mentioned Hattie McDaniel. Recognizing McDaniel as the first Black person to win an Oscar, Bassett highlighted how he broke down barriers. Thus, enabling Black women to attain recognition at the highest levels in the industry.
“To my fellow Black actresses, fill your hearts with courage and strength because regardless of what you may think or see or feel your contributions do matter,” she asserted. “Remember who you are and who our ancestors intended you to be.”
Angela Bassett
“I proudly share this moment with women who stand up when they are told to stand back, who speak up when they are silenced, who remain determined when they are told they are defeated. These women represent those that I’ve had the honour to portray, as well as the everyday women who surround us and inspire us to keep striving.”
Angela Bassett
The Awards
Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, the actors from the 2005 version of Mel Brooks’ The Producers, gave Mel Brooks an honorary Oscar. In his speech, Brooks joked about feeling bad for selling his previous Oscar. He expressed gratitude for the recognition from his peers, saying it meant a lot to him.
Ryan Coogler and Chloé Zhao presented the humanitarian award to Michelle Satter. They praised her work that has “changed the world”. Satter, the founding director of the Sundance Institute worked with many independent filmmakers. They include Coogler and Zhao. She joins the ranks of past recipients like Frank Sinatra, Angelina Jolie, and Oprah Winfrey.
Glenn Close introduced Carol Littleton, underscoring the importance of film editors. Littleton dedicated her award to editors working in the dark, making infinite choices to create believable worlds. She reflected on her time editing ET, calling it a story about tolerance. Littleton concluded with a message about finding common humanity in unusual places through humility and patience.